Method and apparatus for disposal of cuttings

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings  500  from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform  510 , comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings  520  to a cuttings collection area  530  on the platform  510 ; (b) providing a barge  10 , the barge  10  having at least one storage area  30 , a cover  100  operably connected to the at least one storage area  30 , and covering the at least one storage area  30 ; (c) placing the cover  100  in a first open state so that cuttings  500  can be placed in the at least one storage area  30 ; (d) transporting the drill cuttings  500  from the cuttings collection area  530  to the at least one storage area of the barge  10 ; (e) placing the cover  100  in a closed state so that the cuttings  520  in the storage area  30  of the barge  10  are contained; (f) transporting the barge  10  from the drilling platform  510  to a collection site  540 ; (g) placing the cover  100  in a second open state so that the cuttings  520  in the storage area  30  can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings  520  from the storage area  30.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/640,581, filed Dec. 30,2004, is hereby claimed, and such application is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the disposal of the cuttings from oiland gas well drilling, and more particularly to an improved method andapparatus for the disposal of cuttings generated during drilling of anoil and gas well. More particularly, the present invention relates to amethod and apparatus for disposal of cuttings generated during thedrilling of an oil and gas well using a barge wherein an improvedconfiguration enhances the storage, transportation, and ultimatedisposal of cuttings.

In the drilling of oil and gas wells, a drill bit is used to dig manythousands of feet into the earth's crust. Oil rigs typically employ aderrick that extends above the well drilling platform which can supportjoint after joint of drill pipe connected end to end during the drillingoperation. As the drill bit is pushed farther and farther into theearth, additional pipe joints are added to the ever lengthening “string”or “drill string.” The drill pipe or drill string thus comprises aplurality of joints of pipe, each of which has an internal,longitudinally extending bore for carrying fluid drilling mud from thewell drilling platform through the drill string and to a drill bitsupported at the lower or distal end of the drill string.

Drilling mud lubricates the drill bit and carries away well cuttingsgenerated by the drill bit as it digs deeper. The cuttings are carriedin a return flow stream of drilling mud through the well annulus andback to the well drilling platform at the earth's surface. When thedrilling mud reaches the surface, it is contaminated with small piecesof shale and rock which are known in the industry as well cuttings ordrill cuttings.

Well cuttings have in the past been separated from the reusable drillingmud with commercially available separators that are know as “shaleshakers.” Some shale shakers are designed to filter coarse material fromthe drilling mud while other shale shakers are designed to remove finerparticles from the drilling mud. After separating well cuttingstherefrom, the drilling mud is returned to a mud pit where it can besupplemented and/or treated prior to transmission back into the wellbore via the drill string and drill bit to repeat the process.

The disposal of the separated shale and cuttings is a complexenvironmental problem. Drill cuttings contain not only the mud productwhich would contaminate the surrounding environment, but also cancontain oil that is particularly hazardous to the environment,especially when drilling in a marine environment.

Traditional methods of cuttings disposal have been by individual storagetanks, dumping, bucket transport, cumbersome conveyor belts, and washingtechniques that require large amounts of water. Adding water createsadditional problems of added volume and bulk, messiness, and transportproblems. Installing conveyors requires major modification to the rigarea and involves many installation hours and very high cost.

In the Gulf of Mexico for example, there are hundreds of drillingplatforms that drill for oil and gas by drilling into the subsea floor.These drilling platforms can be in many hundreds of feet of water. Insuch a marine environment, the water is typically crystal clear andfilled with marine life that cannot tolerate the disposal of drillcuttings waste such as that containing a combination of shale, drillingmud, oil, and the like. Therefore, there is a need for a simple, yetworkable solution to the problem of disposing of oil and gas wellcuttings in an offshore marine environment and in other fragileenvironments where oil and gas well drilling occurs.

Open top barges are not approved by the Coast Guard for use in the Gulfof Mexico because of the risk of discharges into the environment.

Prior art tank systems have included tanks with hatch openings intowhich drill cuttings can be placed. These prior art tanks also haveattachments for enabling lift lines to be affixed to the tank so that itcan be transported to and from offshore platforms and emptied when full.Further examples of these tanks are shown in one or more of thefollowing U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,084; 5,564,509; and 5,402,857, which areeach incorporated herein by reference. Although these tanks address therisk of discharge of drill cuttings into the environment, the tankssuffer from the disadvantage that they must be individually filled andemptied. Additionally, the tanks must be loaded onto the transportingvessel before being filled with cuttings, transported to the disposalsite, off loaded from the transported vessel, and then cuttings fromeach tank are unloaded individually. This is a time consuming and costprohibitive process.

There is a need for a system which allows fast and economical transportand disposal of drill cuttings from a drilling rig.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner. In one embodiment isprovided an improved method and apparatus for storage, transportation,and disposal of cuttings.

In one embodiment an improved barge is provided which includes aremovable cover.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of a barge which can be used in oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cover which can be used on the barge of FIG.1;

FIG. 3A is a top view of an alternative cover which can be used on thebarge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of two covers which can be used on the barge ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the interior support shown incircle 6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a locking unit;

FIG. 7A is a side view of an alternative locking unit;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a locking unit;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a discharge pipe after it has filled oneof the sub-compartments (with a portion of the cover removed);

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a discharge pipe filling one of thesub-compartments (through a hatch cover opening);

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a barge being unloaded at a transferstation where its contents are being transferred to a transfer barge;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a barge being unloaded at a transferstation where its contents are being transferred to a truck;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of a barge 10 which can be used in themethod and apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectionalview taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of a cover100 which can be used on barge 10. FIG. 4 is a sectional view takenalong the line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a top view of two sections ofcover 100 which can be used on barge 10.

Generally, barge 10 can comprise base 20, at least one compartment 30,and cover 100. Cover 100 can include at least one hatch 122. In FIG. 1,barge 10 is shown having two compartments 30,40 which are physicallyseparated by space 36. Having more than one compartment is optional andseparating the compartments by space 36 is also optional. Having two ormore hatches 122, 123 is also optional.

In one embodiment cover 100 can be comprised of cover plates110,120,130. Each cover plate can respectively include hatches 112 and113; 122 and 123; and 132 and 133. In one embodiment cover 101 can becomprised of cover plates 140,150,160. Each cover plate can respectivelyinclude hatches 142 and 143; 152 and 153; and 162 and 163. Hatches112,113,122,123,132,133,142,143,152,153,162,163 are shown beingelliptical in shape, but can be any shape including polygonal, circular,rectangular, or square. Alternatively, only one hatch may be included.Also alternatively, two or more hatches per cover plate may be included.It is preferable that each hatch include a watertight seal.

In one embodiment the hatches can be rectangular of 4 feet by 6 feet(see FIG. 3A). A handrail 156 can be included on cover 100.Additionally, a secondary containment system 154 can be used around theplurality of hatches 125,126 so that spillage from discharge pipe 512can be contained.

Including multiple cover plates reduces the weight which must beovercome in removing the cover plates. However, increasing the number ofcover plates will increase the amount of watertight seals which are madeat the joints (between cover plates). In one embodiment cover plates canbe supported by a plurality of channel or angle supports 108 and channelor angle supports 109. In one embodiment cover plates can include acenter support 107 (see FIGS. 2 through 5).

In one embodiment compartment 30 can be comprised of sub-compartments32,34. Interior support 50 can separate compartment 30 intosub-compartments 32,34. Similarly, interior support 50 can separatecompartment 40 into sub-compartments 42,44. FIG. 6 is an enlargedsectional view of interior support 50. Interior support 50 can compriseupper surface 52, inclined surface 53, and lower surface 54. Interiorsupport 50 can support support 107.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of compartment 30. Compartment 30 can becomprised of sidewall 35, floor 38, and sidewall 37. Compartment 30 caninclude sub-compartments 32,34. Sidewalls 35,37 can be supported bysupports 60, 62. Floor 38 can be supported by lower supports 64.

In one embodiment cover 100 can be detachably connected to compartment30 through detaching a plurality of locks 200. In one embodiment lock200 is constructed as shown in FIG. 7. Lock 200 can comprise base 210,pivot 212, member 214, threaded shaft 220, arm 230, and handle 240.Handle 240 can be threadably connected to threaded shaft 220 throughthreads 222. Threaded shaft 220 can be pivotally connected to base 210through pivot 212. Base 210 can be connected to member 214. Seal 216 canbe attached to member 214 or channel 102. Handle 240 can be turned inthe direction of arrow 260 causing arm 230 to push down on cover 100 inthe direction of arrow 250. Cover 100 can include channel 102 and, ascover 100 is pushed in the direction of arrow 250, seal 216 is squeezedbetween channel 102 and member 214 creating a watertight connection. Torelease cover 100, handle 240 is rotated in the opposite direction ofarrow 260 allowing arm 230 to move in the opposite direction of arrow250. When loosened handle 240 can be pulled back in the direction ofarrow 270 (causing threaded shaft 220 to pivot in the same directionabout pivot 212) which removes arm 230 from cover 100.

In an alternative embodiment cover 100 can be detachably connected tocompartment 30 through detaching a plurality of locks 400 (taking theplace of locks 200). In one embodiment lock 400 is constructed as shownin FIG. 7A. Lock 400 can comprise upper portion 410, chain 412, lowerportion 420, ratcheting portion 430, connector 432, handle 434, andconnector 436. Connector 420 can be attached to side wall 35. Connector436 can be attached to connector 420, such as by welding. Upper portion410 can be attached to cover 100 and include chain 412. Connector 432can be detachably connectable to chain 412. Handle 434 can be used toratchet down connector 432 to chain 412 and make a tight connection. Torelease cover 100, handle 434 can be ratcheted to loosen connector 432from chain 412. The ratcheting portion 430 of connector 400 can thenhang from lower portion 420.

In one embodiment cover plates (such as cover plates 110,120) can bedetachably connected to each other through detaching a plurality oflocks 300. In one embodiment lock 300 is constructed as shown in FIG. 8.Lock 300 can comprise base 310, pivot 312, member 314, threaded shaft320, arm 330, and handle 340. Handle 340 can be threadably connected tothreaded shaft 320 through threads 322. Threaded shaft 320 can bepivotally connected to base 310 through pivot 312. Base 310 can beconnected to member 314. Seal 316 can be attached to member 314 orchannel 114. Handle 340 can be turned in the direction of arrow 360causing arm 330 to push down on cover plate 110 in the direction ofarrow 350. Cover plate 120 can include lock 300. Cover plate 110 caninclude channel 114 and as cover plate 110 is pushed in the direction ofarrow 350 (and member 314 is pulled in the direction of arrow 380)causing seal 316 to be squeezed between channel 114 and member 314creating a watertight connection. To release cover plates 110,120;handle 340 is rotated in the opposite direction of arrow 360 allowingarm 330 to move in the opposite direction of arrow 350. When loosenedarm 340 can be pulled back in the direction of arrow 370 (causingthreaded shaft 320 to pivot in the same direction about pivot 312) whichremoves arm 330 from cover plate 110.

In one embodiment cover 100 comprises at least one hatch 112 which canbe opened and closed, and the first open state in step “c” occurs whenhatch 112 is opened. In one embodiment cover 100 is detachably connectedto the barge 10, and the second open state in step “g” occurs when cover100 is removed from barge 10 (such as by a crane 550). In anotherembodiment the first open state occurs when cover 100 is removed frombarge 10 (such as by a crane 550). In one embodiment, cover 100comprises a plurality of hatches 125, 126 which can be rectangular of 4feet by 6 feet. In one embodiment during step “h” the cuttings 520 arescooped out of the storage area 30. In one embodiment a bucket 560 orbackhoe 561 is used to scoop out the cuttings 520. In one embodimentduring step “h” the cuttings 520 are dug out of the storage area 30. Inone embodiment cover 100 is detachably connected to the storage area 30by a plurality of anchors or locks 200. In one embodiment cover 100comprises a plurality of pad eyes 560 which can be used to lift thecover 100.

In one embodiment cover 100 comprises a plurality of sections110,120,130, each section being connected to the at least one storagearea by a plurality of anchors or locks 200. In one embodiment theplurality of sections 110,120,130 are detachably connected to at leastone other of the plurality of sections and seals 316 are used to sealthe connection area between the detachably connected sections. In oneembodiment there exists a watertight seal 216 between the storage area30 and the cover 100. In one embodiment the first and second open statesoccur when at least one of the sections are removed from barge 10. Inanother embodiment either the first or second open states occurs when atleast one of the sections are removed from barge 10.

In one embodiment cover 101 comprises a plurality of sections140,150,160, each section being connected to the at least one storagearea by a plurality of anchors or locks 200 (or locks 400). In oneembodiment the plurality of sections 140,150,160 are detachablyconnected to at least one other of the plurality of sections and seals316 are used to seal the connection area between the detachablyconnected sections. In one embodiment there exists a watertight seal 216between the storage area 40 and the cover 101. In one embodiment thefirst and second open states occur when at least one of the sections areremoved from barge 10. In another embodiment either the first or secondopen states occurs when at least one of the sections are removed frombarge 10.

In one embodiment cover 100 is rotatably connected to the at least onestorage area 30. In one embodiment the cover 100 is slidably connectedto the at least one storage area 30. For example cover plate 120 canslide under or over cover plate 130 to open storage area 30.

In one embodiment, compartments 30,40 occupy at least fifty percent ofthe area of barge 10. In another embodiment, compartments 30,40 occupybetween about fifty percent to ninety five percent of the area of barge10. In another embodiment, compartments 30,40 occupy between fifty andseventy five percent of the area of barge 10. In another embodiment,compartments 30,40 occupy between seventy five and ninety five percentof the area of barge 10.

Method

One embodiment includes a method of disposing of drill cuttings 500 froman oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising: (a)transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 onthe platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at leastone storage area 30 (which may be integrally formed with barge 10), acover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, andcovering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 ina first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at leastone storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from thecuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of thebarge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that thecuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f)transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collectionsite 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that thecuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing thecuttings 520 from the storage area 30.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a discharge pipe 512 after it has filledone of the sub-compartments 32 (with middle section 120 of cover 100removed and placed on side cover plate 110). Also shown is wall 50 andempty sub-compartment 34. After completion of the filling ofsub-compartment 32, discharge pipe 512 can be located to fillsub-compartment 34—as indicated by the phantom lines in FIG. 9. Whilesub-compartments 32,34 are being filled, middle cover 120 has beenremoved and placed on top of side cover plate 110. FIG. 10 is aperspective view of discharge pipe 512 filling subcompartment 32 throughhatch 125. After filling sub-compartment 32, sub-compartment 34 can befilled through hatch 126. Alternatively, one or more openings can beincluded in wall 50 to allow movement between sub-compartments 32 and34. Also alternatively wall 50 can be removed completely. In suchalternative embodiments a single hatch could be used to fill compartment30.

In one embodiment discharge pipe 512 can be operably connected to barge10 through a connection to one of the hatches. This connection can be aswivel type quick connection or a funnel connection. The connectionshould allow for differential movement between barge 10 and rig 500depending on the sea conditions. Operably connecting discharge pipe 512saves time and reduces the risk of spillage.

After being filled barge 10 can be taken to an ultimate disposal orrecycling site or to a transfer station where its contents can betransferred to means to transport the contents to the ultimate disposalor recycling site. A tug 600 can be used to move barge 10 to a desiredlocation.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of barge 10 being unloaded at transferstation 690 where its contents are being transferred to transfer barge700. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of barge 10 being unloaded attransfer station 690 where its contents are being transferred to a truck800. To remove covers 101,102 the plurality of locks 200 or 400(depending on the locking embodiment chosen) can be loosened. Crane 550can be used to remove covers 101 and 102 from barge 10 and place covers101,102 on transfer station 690. Cover plates 110,120,130,140,150,160are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 on transfer station 690.

Various methods can be used to remove the contents of barge 10. In FIGS.11 and 12 a clam bucket 560 is shown unloading barge 10. Clam bucket 560can be controlled by crane 550. Clam bucket 560 can scoop out a portionof material, such as drill cuttings 520. In FIG. 11, transfer barge 700is shown being located on the opposite side of transfer station 690.Although not shown a tray 730 can be placed between barge 10 andtransfer station 690 to catch any spillage from clam bucket 560.Alternatively, transfer barge can be located adjacent to barge 10.Spanning between top 720 of transfer barge 700 and barge 10 can be tray730. Tray 730 can include splash guard 740. Tray 730 catches anymaterial such as drill cuttings 520 which might spill from clam bucket560. Tray 730 is shown angled toward barge 10 so that spilled materialwill flow back to barge 10, however, tray 730 could also be angledtoward transfer barge 700. After being filled transfer barge 700 can bemoved to an ultimate disposal site, such as a land fill, land farm, orinjection well.

As shown in FIG. 12, truck 800 can be filled with the contents of barge10. After being filled transfer truck 800 can driven to an ultimatedisposal site, such as a land fill, land farm, or injection well. In oneembodiment multiple trucks can be used to empty barge 10. In oneembodiment both trucks and transfer barges can be used to empty barge10.

In an alternative embodiment a backhoe 561 can be used to empty all orpart of the contents of barge 10. In an alternative embodiment at leastpart of barge 10 is emptied by pumping out its contents. In oneembodiment both pumping and bucket 560 are used. In an alternativeembodiment at least part of barge 10 is manually emptied, such as byshovels.

In an alternative embodiment, barge 10 can be moved by tug boat 600 tothe ultimate disposal site for unloading.

After being emptied, covers 101,102 can again be placed on barge 10,such as by crane 550. In one embodiment covers 101,102 are locked downfor further transport of barge 10.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS (Reference) (Description) 10 barge 20 base30 compartment 32 sub-compartment 33 wall 34 sub-compartment 35 wall 36space 37 wall 38 floor 40 compartment 42 sub-compartment 44sub-compartment 50 interior support 52 upper surface 53 inclined surface54 lower surface 60 support 62 support 64 lower support 100 cover 101cover 102 channel 104 section of cover 106 section of cover 107 support108 channel or angle support 109 channel or angle support 110 coverplate 112 hatch 113 hatch 120 cover plate 122 hatch 123 hatch 124containment ring 125 hatch 126 hatch 130 cover plate 132 hatch 133 hatch134 vent 140 cover plate 142 hatch 150 cover plate 152 hatch 154secondary containment 156 guard rail 160 cover plate 162 hatch 200 lock210 base 212 pivot 214 member 216 seal 220 threaded shaft 222 threads230 arm 240 handle 250 arrow 260 arrow 270 arrow 300 lock 310 base 312pivot 314 member 316 seal 320 threaded shaft 322 threads 330 arm 340handle 350 arrow 360 arrow 370 arrow 380 arrow 400 lock 410 upperportion 412 chain 416 seal 420 lower portion 430 ratcheting portion 432connector 434 handle 436 connector 500 rig 502 rig crane 510 platform512 discharge pipe 520 drill cuttings 530 collection area 540 collectionsite 550 crane 560 bucket 561 backhoe 562 arrow 563 arrow 600 tug boat610 arrow 690 transfer station 700 transfer barge 710 open compartment720 top 730 tray 740 splash guard 800 truck

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A method of disposing of drill cuttings from an oil and/or gas welldrilling platform, comprising: (a) providing a barge having an upperlevel with an area, the barge having at least one storage compartment,with upper and lower portions, and the upper portion of the at least onestorage compartment having an inlet with an inlet area and a coveroperably connected to and covering the inlet of the at least one storagecompartment, the cover having multiple cover sections that arepositioned side by side when covering the inlet; (b) placing the atleast one storage compartment in a first open state by removing at leastone but not all cover sections from the inlet; (c) receiving through theinlet cuttings in the barge's at least one storage compartment, thecuttings being received from the drilling platform; (d) after step “c”,placing the at least one storage compartment in a closed state byreplacing any cover sections removed in step “b” so that the cuttings inthe storage compartment are contained; (e) transporting the barge fromthe drilling platform to a collection site; (f) placing the at least onestorage compartment in a second open state by removing from the inlet ofthe at least one storage compartment more of the cover sections thanwere removed in step “b” so that the cuttings in the barge's at leastone storage compartment can be removed, the second open state having alarger open area compared to the first open state; and (g) removingthrough the inlet the cuttings from the barge's at least one storagecompartment.
 2. The method of disposing of drill cuttings of claim 1,wherein in step “a” the cover comprises a plurality of cover platesections which are detachably connected to the at least one storagearea, and the first open state in step “b” occurs when one of the coverplate sections are detached from the at least one storage area andplaced on top of another cover plate section.
 3. The method of disposingof drill cuttings of claim 2, wherein the second open state in step “f”occurs when the plurality of cover sections are removed from the inletof the at least one storage area.
 4. The method of disposing of drillcuttings of claim 2, wherein the plurality of cover plate sections aredetachably connected to each other.
 5. The method of disposing of drillcuttings of claim 4, wherein a watertight seal is maintained between theplurality of cover plate sections.
 6. The method of disposing of drillcuttings of claim 1, wherein in step “f” cover includes a plurality ofcover plate sections and, to enter the second open state, each of thesecover plate sections are removed from the barge and placed at thecollection site.
 7. The method of disposing of drill cuttings of claim1, further including the step, after step “h”, of placing the now emptyat least one storage area in a closed state for further transport. 8.The method of disposing of drill cuttings of claim 1, wherein in step“a”, the cover includes three cover plate sections detachably connectedto each other and maintaining a watertight seal between each other. 9.The method of disposing of drill cuttings of claim 8, wherein thedetachable connection and water tight seal between the cover platesections is maintained by a plurality of locking members detachablyconnecting the cover plate sections.
 10. The method of disposing ofdrill cuttings of claim 1, wherein in step “a”, the cover includes ahatch.
 11. The method of disposing of drill cuttings of claim 1, whereinin step “a” the cover includes a hatch with a secondary containmentsection around the hatch, and a handrail surrounding the hatch.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein in step “h” the cuttings are scooped out ofthe at least one storage area.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thebarge in step “a” has an upper barge area, and in step “f” the largeropen area of the inlet for the second open state is at least fiftypercent of the upper barge area.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thelarger open area of the inlet is between fifty and ninety five percentof the upper barge area.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the largeropen area of the inlet is between seventy five and ninety five percentof the upper barge area.
 16. A method of disposing of drill cuttingsfrom an oil and/or gas well drilling platform, comprising: (a) providinga barge, the barge having at least one storage area, a cover operablyconnected to the at least one storage area and covering the at least onestorage area, the cover including a plurality of cover plate sectionswhich are detachably connectable to each other forming a water tightseal; (b) placing the at least one storage area in a first open state bydetaching at least one of the plurality of cover plate sections, whereinone cover plate section is detached and placed on top of one of theother cover plate sections; (c) receiving cuttings in the barge's atleast one storage area, the cuttings being received from the drillingplatform; (d) placing the at least one storage area in a closed state byreattaching the at least one cover plate section removed in step “b” tothe at least one storage area so that the cuttings in the storage areaare contained; (e) transporting the barge from the drilling platform toa collection site; (f) placing the at least one storage area in a secondopen state by detaching a plurality of the plurality of cover platesections so that the cuttings in the barge's at least one storage areacan be removed; (g) removing the cuttings from the barge's at least onestorage area; and (h) during steps “b” through “g” the at least onestorage area is at atmospheric pressure.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein in step “a” the cover includes three plate sections placed sideby side, and in step “b” the middle cover plate section is detached andplaced on one of the other two cover plate sections.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein in step “f” each of the plurality of cover platesections are detached from the at least one storage area and from eachother to place the at least one storage area in the second open state.19. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the cover platesections includes a hatch.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein each ofthe cover plate sections includes a hatch.
 21. The method of disposingof drill cuttings of claim 16, wherein in step “a” at least one of thecover plate sections includes a hatch with a secondary containmentsection around the hatch, and a handrail surrounding the hatch.
 22. Amethod of disposing of drill cuttings from an oil and/or gas welldrilling platform, comprising: (a) providing a barge, the barge havingfirst and second storage areas, a first cover comprising a plurality ofcover plates operably connected to the first storage area and coveringthe first storage area, a second cover comprising a plurality of coverplates that are positioned side by side and operably connected to thesecond storage area and covering the second storage area; (b) placingthe first storage area in a first open state by removing one or morecover plates so that cuttings can be placed in the first storage; (c)placing the second storage area in a first open state so that cuttingscan be placed in the second storage area; (d) receiving cuttings in thebarge's first and second storage areas from the drilling platform; (e)placing the first and second storage areas in closed states so that thecuttings in these storage areas are contained; (f) transporting thebarge from the drilling platform to a collection site; (g) placing thefirst and second storage areas in second open states so that thecuttings can be removed, the second open states having a larger openareas compared to the first open state wherein more of the cover platesare removed in the second open state then were removed in step “b”; (h)removing the cuttings from the barge's first and second storage areas;and (i) during steps “b” through “h” the first and second storage areasare at atmospheric pressure.